St. Anthony Church is in the midst of an aggressive campaign to raise $280,000 by the end of 2012 to repair their 145 year-old bell tower. Since October 14, 2012 when the campaign began, St. Anthony has raised over $150,000, but the parish still needs support to meet their goal and save their steeple. Throughout the campaign’s final month St. Anthony, also known as “the Church on the Hill,” has hosted a Chili Night and is presently selling St. Anthony keepsake calendars and note cards. In addition to these activities, the parish hosted an organ concert in October and has received pledges of support from businesses in the Menomonee Falls community. Photo By St. Mary's Parish

Menomonee Falls - One cannot miss a large tower that decorates the sky when driving into the village via Appleton Avenue.

The structure, part of St. Anthony parish, is a historic Menomonee Falls monument that has stood tall for 145 years. To parishioners, the building is also known as the "church on the hill."

Though the tower has stood for almost a century and a half, it is now in need of some tender loving care. St. Anthony was forced to close the bell tower entrance due to falling masonry and cracks in the structure, subsequently silencing the familiar bells.

"For 145 years, the steeple has been a spiritual and structural staple in our community," the Rev. Dennis Wieland said.

The parish launched an aggressive campaign in October to raise $280,000 by the end of the year to repair the bell tower. So far, $153,000 has been raised, said Carole McGibany, spokeswoman and member of the fundraising committee.

"I'm very, very pleased our parishioners have given us marvelous support," she said.

Still, the parish needs a last minute push to reach their goal by the end of the year. Those interested in donating can do so by clicking on "Donate Now" on the parish's home page at stanthony-parish.org or on its Facebook page at facebook.com/stanthonymenofalls. Donations are tax deductible.

Contributors can mail donations to St. Anthony Save Our Steeple, St. Anthony Congregation, N74W13604 Appleton Ave., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. There are also red envelopes at the church people can use to make donations.

The money raised will replace the steeple roof, repair the bell tower by reinforcing the wood timber frame and fix the stonework that deteriorated over the years from water infiltration and regular wear and tear.

"On behalf of St. Anthony Church, we would like to thank all those who have contributed to our campaign," Wieland said.

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